Karandlaje reinducted, Karnataka BJP in disarray

The Karnataka government appeared split down the middle on Wednesday after chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa reshuffled his cabinet, dropping three ministers close to the controversial Reddy brothers and inducting six others, including his aide Shobha Karandlaje.

The Karnataka government appeared split down the middle on Wednesday after chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa reshuffled his cabinet, dropping three ministers close to the controversial Reddy brothers and inducting six others, including his aide Shobha Karandlaje.

The Reddy brothers — ministers and barons Janardhana and Karunakara — boycotted a cabinet meeting, saying the axing of the ministers would send wrong signals to the party. Health Minister B. Sriramulu also joined the boycott. Rebel legislators held meetings to discuss the course of action.

The rebels were also against the induction of Karandlaje, who had been dropped from the cabinet 11 months ago after the Reddy brothers accused her of interfering with other ministries.

Yeddyurappa was forced to drop Karandlaje and some of his trusted under a deal with the Reddys. A core committee of the ruling BJP was formed to manage affairs of the government as part of the deal. Karunakara said the panel was not consulted on the reshuffle.